The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to sanitising Nigerian markets and eliminating dishonest practices that endanger consumers and distort fair trade.
Speaking at a Market Engagement Forum in Abuja on Tuesday, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the commission remains resolute in promoting transparent, lawful, and responsible business conduct across the country.
His words: “Our mandate is clear: to ensure fair competition and protect consumers.
“We are witnessing not just unfair, but outright illegal practices in markets nationwide.”
Bello disclosed that the FCCPC recently inaugurated an Inter-agency Market Monitoring Taskforce to tackle counterfeit goods and enhance consumer safety in four major markets within the Federal Capital Territory: Wuse Market, Utako Market, Garki International Market, and Garki Modern Market.
“More actions are underway,” he said. “But if you are doing the right thing, you have nothing to fear. However, where infractions persist, the Commission will act decisively.”
He identified some of the most pressing concerns, including the rebagging and mislabelling of food products—a fraudulent practice where expired or substandard goods are repackaged and sold as reputable brands.
“This deceptive act is particularly rampant in the sale of staples such as rice and other fast-moving consumer goods,” Bello noted. “It not only misleads consumers and poses health risks but also undermines honest traders.”
The FCCPC boss also raised alarms over price fixing by market associations and trader groups, warning that the artificial inflation of prices through collusion is illegal and anti-competitive.
“In such cases, prices are not driven by demand or supply but are instead arbitrarily agreed upon and enforced. This sabotages market fairness and cheats consumers,” he said.
Bello reaffirmed that the FCCPC would continue its clampdown on all such malpractices to protect consumer rights and foster a level playing field for all businesses.
